Woodsy excited to back out on the training pitch
Ryan Woods says he's raring to go again as he settles into Shrewsbury Town's pre-season training programme.
The form of the former youth teamer in midfield and at right back was one of the main plus points for Town last season and now he's doing all he can to impress new manager Micky Mellon and the coaching staff.
He said: "I've had a very good summer which I think I needed but I'm glad to be back now and I just want to get going again."
Ryan is one of a handful of survivors from last season's squad but he's enjoying getting to know the new faces that have joined the club over the summer.
"If I'm going to be honest it felt a little bit like I was walking into a new club," said Ryan, who reported back for training last Saturday morning.
"But everyone's made each other feel welcome and we're all part of a team. We've bonded straight away and it looks like we're going to have a very good season."
He's also quickly made himself familiar with the new signings, adding: "I'm quite good with names so I've got pretty much everyone nailed down now."
Pre-season is always a tough few weeks for all footballers but Ryan said the hard work on the training ground had to be done.
"Obviously it's hard but it's one of the things that come with the job. You've got to work hard to get fit and then express yourself on the pitch and become a better player than everybody else."
The 20-year-old added he was impressed by the quality of the new arrivals and believes Town can make an impact in League 2 this season.
"I was looking over the summer at who was coming in and what was happening with the club. I got excited by the signings we've made and I think we're going to have a really good go this year.
"Realistically, we've got to be looking to get promotion, no two ways about it. We've definitely got to be looking to get promotion. I know a couple of other clubs are making a few good signings as well and spending a bit of money, but we've got a very good squad here and I think we can definitely have a really good go."